Julie Ann Lassegard

Her life was a beautiful blend of faith, family, service, and joy — lived fully and generously.

Julie was born on September 10, 1930, to Walter and Mary “Mae” (Molumby) Huntimer in Franklin, South Dakota, and grew up on the family farm surrounded by her seven brothers and sisters. She attended a one-room country school, riding there on horseback with her brother Don — either on slow-and-steady Dixie or the more spirited Trixie — and later graduated from St. Agatha’s High School a boarding school in Howard, SD. She went on to attend General Beadle State Teachers College in Madison, SD.

Her working life began at Rozum Motors, a Ford and Mercury dealership in Mitchell, SD, where she worked as a bookkeeper. It was at a local dance that she met the love of her life, Daniel Lassegard. They were married on August 30, 1956, in Mitchell, and their partnership would span 68 rich and devoted years.

Julie and Dan’s journey took them to Kent, Ohio, where their first child, Debra, was born; to Richfield, MN, where they welcomed David and Coleen; and finally to Springfield, where they laid down deep roots and added Ann and Paul to the family. Springfield remained their home for 59 years.

Julie worked side by side with Dan for many years at the Springfield Pharmacy, which they owned and operated together. Their teamwork and commitment served not just their customers, but the whole community.

A woman of abiding faith, Julie served her parish and community with joy and dedication. She was President of St Raphael’s Council of Catholic Women and the Springfield Hospital Auxiliary, a member of the Library Board, Rosary Chairperson, volunteer at St John’s Lutheran Home, worked with the local Food Shelf and Meals on Wheels, and was honored with the Bishop’s Award for her service. Her unmatched planning and organizational skills made her the natural coordinator of church and school events — from funerals to carnivals, concerts to ordinations — all carried out with warmth and precision.

She was proud of her Irish heritage, and that pride showed through her love of family, storytelling, humor, and hospitality.

Julie also found joy in the small pleasures of life: her card clubs, endless games of 500 with family, lively conversations, and never missing an episode of Jeopardy. Her quick wit, deep memory, and ready laugh made every gathering brighter.

To her 15 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, she was a steady source of love, wisdom, and pride. She made each one feel uniquely cherished and loved.

Julie is survived by her devoted husband, Daniel Lassegard; their children; Debra Lassegard of Bloomington, David (Teresa) Lassegard of Minneapolis, Coleen Lassegard of Encinitas CA, Ann (Steve) Ogren of Stillwater, and Paul (Helen) Lassegard of Blaine; grandchildren: Carly (Jon) Custodio, Maria (Shane) Phelps, Madelyn (Patrick) Noesen, Anthony Lassegard, John Kieran (Samantha Rix) Naughton, Margaux (Mark Wilson) Lassegard, Lydia (Matt Junker) Ogren, Matthew (Alyse) Lassegard, Brady Lassegard, Clare (Sam McVey) Lassegard, Rachel (Tim) Larson, Claudia Naughton, Roman (Caitlin Anderson) Ogren, Audrey Lassegard, and Joseph (Joy Rambo) Lassegard; and great-grandchildren: Leona Mabel and Josephine Rose Custodio, Juniper Julie and Rowan Daniel Phelps, and Charlotte Arlin and Audrey Ann Noesen. She is also survived by many special nieces and nephews who held a treasured place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Mary “Mae” Huntimer; her brothers Harold (Lorraine), Vernon, Fr. Don, and Max (Virginia) Huntimer; and her sisters Sr. Laura Huntimer, Rita (Kenneth) Nygaard, Kathleen Huntimer and Sr. Jean Huntimer.

She will be remembered always for her strength, her spirit, her laughter, and her unwavering love.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, May 7th, at Wulff Woodbury Funeral Home, 2195 Woodlane Dr, Woodbury, MN. Visitation will take place from 9:00–10:30 am, with a funeral service to follow at 10:30 am.

A private interment will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.